Online Burn & Fireworks Permit Application

Burning Permits and Fireworks Permits

Fire Restriction - July 25, 2023

Due to the current conditions and upcoming weather forecast Foothills County will be moving to a Fire Restriction. Although storm systems have brought rain to some parts of Foothills County, the overall fire danger remains high due to these current temperatures, wind speeds and lack of sufficient moisture levels. The region has greened up slightly, but this dry hot weather that persists and is anticipated over the next little bit has and will continue to alter the conditions quickly. 

We will continue to monitor moisture levels and fire risk throughout the County and may update the status as needed. Fire permits will not be issued for Class1 (10x10x5 and under) and Class 2 (10x10x5 and over) fires, and any outstanding permits will be cancelled. Although this is not a Fire Ban the County will ask citizens to use extra caution and be extra vigilant when burning under what the Restriction allows for, while it is in effect. Soaking the area adjacent to the open fire pits with water is recommended. If conditions change, the County may impose a Fire Ban at any time. If a Fire Ban is imposed, residents must immediately and fully extinguish their fire and again all existing permits will become void and no new permits will be issued.

This Restriction allows for:

  • Safe residential fire pits and safe campfires in campgrounds (Non-combustible unit 36 inches in diameter or less).
  • Gas or propane stoves / barbecues when used in accordance to manufacturer’s specifications
  • Charcoal briquette and solid fuel barbecues when used to manufacturer’s specifications
  • Chiminea’s (with screen covers that are located on non-combustible surfaces)
  • Internal household fire places
  • Wood pellet smokers
  • Incinerators (for farm and acreage use), Burning barrels (steel drum no larger than 45gallons, with screen covers that are located on a non-combustible surface) 

Online Fire Burning Permit Application

Start Online Burn Permit

Burning & Fireworks Permits and Regulations:

Burning Permits are for clean/dry wood ONLY!

You are NOT ALLOWED TO BURN:

  • Tires - Plastics - Household Garbage - Paint Cans - Used Motor Oil - Furniture - Treated Products.​​
  • Prohibited debris includes, but is not limited to, the above items.

Think Fire Safety

For information about wildfire - Province of Alberta Wildife Website
 

Fireworks Permit Key Points

Fireworks Permit Application Site 

This permit is for discharging fireworks ONLY within Foothills County. Foothills County CANNOT issue a permit to discharge fireworks within other municipalities. When a permit is issued it is the responsibility of the permit holder to know the regulations for purchasing, possessing and discharging.

Here are a few important points you need to know:

  • This permit is for the discharge of consumer fireworks on residential property only.  Your permit WILL NOT be approved if your discharge area is over roadways or public property.
  • You must be a minimum of 18 years old to apply for this permit.
  • You must be the property owner or have written permission from the property owner to discharge fireworks.
  • You must have a water source available to you when discharging your fireworks. This includes but is not limited to, a minimum of 3 gallons of water and or a garden hose, or a fire extinguisher on site when you discharge your fireworks. 
  • You are encouraged to submit your application a minimum of 7 business days prior to the discharge date.  
  • To ensure a fun but safe family fireworks display, it is important that simple safety procedures are followed.
  • There is no charge for this permit.

More information on the safe discharge of fireworks

View the Foothills County Fireworks Bylaw

Discharge area: 

This is where you will set up and discharge your fireworks.  You must have the clearance space on the product’s manufacturing instructions, with no buildings, tents, trailers, canvas shelters, trees, flammable or combustible substance, or motor vehicles in this area. This is found on the label of all federally authorized consumer firework products.

Spectator area: 

The area required for spectators is necessary to ensure that all spectators maintain a safe distance. Safe spectator distances are listed on each individual consumer product and must be followed.